Nighttime is typically when our bodies rest and restore, but if you have a hidden sleep disorder like obstructive sleep apnea, you may actually be robbing your body of the rest it needs, which can take a toll on your overall health. Obstructive sleep apnea is a common and dangerous condition linked to a heightened risk of depression, cognitive decline, high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and other major health issues.
One of the main reasons sleep apnea is so dangerous is because many people don’t even realize they have it. It’s estimated that as many as 80 percent of individuals with sleep apnea go undiagnosed. The primary symptoms, such as snoring and pauses in your breath while you sleep, happen while you’re unconscious, and therefore, hard to detect. However, there are a few more subtle symptoms to watch out for, including:
- Feeling overly sleepy during the daytime
- Waking up with headaches
- Waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat
- Waking up in the middle of the night gasping or choking
- Feeling depressed and irritable
- Having high blood pressure
- Experiencing a low libido
Despite a doctor’s diagnosis and treatment, sleep apnea remains a work-in-progress. The main available treatment is a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine, which helps keep the airway open. Although it’s effective, many people find it uncomfortable and don’t always use it. Thankfully, researchers are exploring a promising new supplement with the potential to help manage sleep apnea: yohimbine.
The Sleep Apnea Supplement of the Future
Recently, researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) discovered that yohimbine, a supplement derived from the bark of the African Pausinystalia yohimbe tree, reversed the cause of obstructive sleep apnea in rats. This supplement prevented certain nerves in the rats’ brains from getting “sleepy” and impaired. When these nerves become “sleepy,” throat and mouth muscles relax too much, leading to an obstruction in the airway that results in sleep apnea.
Yohimbine is currently used for weight loss, to improve circulation, boost sex drive, and to treat erectile dysfunction. However, individuals with heart disease, high blood pressure, or anxiety disorders should exercise caution when considering this supplement. Moreover, it’s yet to be determined whether it’s effective for sleep apnea in humans. Clinical trials are still needed to establish that.
In the meantime, there are several other strategies you can try to help relieve sleep apnea symptoms, such as:
- Losing weight: Being overweight can worsen sleep apnea, so shedding excess pounds may help alleviate symptoms.
- Sleeping on your side: Lying on your back can contribute to an obstructed airway, so sleeping on your side may provide some relief.
- Performing anti-apnea exercises: Practicing specific exercises can help strengthen the muscles in your airway, making it easier to breathe during sleep.
- Wearing a chin strap: A chin strap may help keep your airway open by preventing your jaw from dropping back during sleep.
In conclusion, while advancements in potential sleep apnea treatments, such as yohimbine, are promising, the research is ongoing, and the only surefire method for dealing with severe sleep apnea cases right now is using a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine. If you suspect you have sleep apnea or are struggling with its effects, it’s best to consult a healthcare professional for guidance. Addressing sleep apnea is crucial, as neglecting the condition can have serious consequences for your overall health and well-being.
